Tuesday, September 25, 2012

...the newest member of the Kimberley's Kitchen team, Jen Ellis. I am thrilled to have her join me to help with marketing and all things creative.

Jen is an accomplished small business owner in her own right. Owner and designer of Jen Ellis Designs, Jen handcrafts beautiful sterling silver jewelry in Vancouver. Jen has made a name for herself around town, most notably at the very popular Portobello West market.

Jen is so creative and crafty, I thought I would put her talent to work with marketing for Kimberley’s Kitchen. I am excited for you to get to know her as she puts her own unique “flavor” on all things marshmallow!

How did I meet Jen? Well, I have known her since she was a wee little baby. Her parents and my parents are old friends and we all grew up (while far apart) like cousins. Jen is now a mom herself and has her sweet little daughter to keep her busy while she isn’t making jewelry.

I asked Jen a few questions so that you could get to know her a little better:

1. What is your favourite food?

Pad Thai and sushi....followed by a KK marshmallow of course!

2. And your favourite hobby?

I always used to add this section on resumes. It is very telling! The fact that my favourite hobby (making jewellery) turned into my business speaks to the importance of a hobby! I also really like trying new restaurants, mountain biking, and hanging out with my 1 year old and 2 pups.

3. What is your favourite place in the world?

India....by far! I've only been once, but it was the most interesting, scary, and memorable place I have ever been. As a vacation, it failed, but as an adventure it was breathtaking.

4. What are your hopes and dreams?

Simple...I hope to be surrounded by people I love while doing what I love.

5. And lastly, what we really want to know- what is your favourite flavour of marshmallow?

(Hardest question by far) Depending on my mood, I love love love the vanilla bean. Just the sound of it makes my mouth water! It is perfect in my hot chocolate, with a cup of tea, or simply on its own! I am also a huge fan of the coconut. It is all about the crunchy outside coconut flakes with a chewy centre of delicious marshmallow.

Friday, September 14, 2012

I am often asked about different ways of using marshmallows in baking and if I ever make rice krispy treats. I make a lot of different treats with marshmallows; they are really very versatile. And crispy cereal treats are a fun and easy way to use up some extra cereal and marshmallows!

I bought some great Halloween party supplies from The Bakers Confections and thought I could use them to make some treats for Halloween. I love their selection of cupcake papers, twine, paper straws, and so much more.

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Crispy cereal treats are easy to make. I make them off the top of my head so please use your favorite recipe. I also don't use actual Rice Krispies, but rather a mix of the organic cereals we have in the pantry (its a great way to use up all those bits of cereal left at the bottom of the box!)

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I also enlisted my daughters to help me decorate these treats- dipping in chocolate and sprinkles is an easy way to get kids to help and they love doing it!How To~ melt chocolate in the microwave (or a double boiler on the stove). Dip squares in chocolate and place on wax paper. Sprinkle with an assortment of seasonal sprinkles and allow to set. Insert straw into center and tie on twine.

We used paper straws and some baker's twine to decorate the treats and make them special. But they didn't last very long so you may not even get to this part!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The new school year brings new friends for our children. Inviting friends over after school is fun, and even better when there's an activity and snacks.

The quintessential after school snack is milk and cookies. So why not invite new friends over for a Milk & Cookies party?

I set up this party on our deck, since September here is still warm and sunny. But this could easily be a kitchen or playroom party. Here are some easy steps to making it fun for everyone (and will surely impress new friends!)

Step 1:

I always start with a color theme- it is the easiest way to bring all the party elements together. Instead of the traditional apple red, I went with green and brown to welcome fall.

Step 2:

Gather items for the table- I simply grabbed all the baskets, bags and details I had in my color theme and brought them together on a table.

Step 3:

Purchase or make cookies- you don't have to be a cookie artist to pull this off (I'm definitely not a cookie artist, hence the addition of some fancy marshmallows!) A collection of favorites from your local bakery or make some ahead of time with your kids (another great activity for kids!).

Step 4:

Assemble your party- I started with a blanket for a table cloth, put out napkins, cookies, treats, and a "milk station", I even included some little bags for the kids to take home some cookies (and this keeps me from eating them all!).

Step 5:

Hot Chocolate variation- if it's a cool day, turn it into a Hot Chocolate party and some yummy marshmallows for dipping and dunking.

Decorate Your Own Cookie- this is another way to make it a great activity- prepare some "blank" cookies and provide icing, chocolate, sprinkles and other embellishments at a Decoration Station and have the kids do all the work!

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I included some fun S'mores that I assembled with Kimberley's Kitchen marshmallows, handmade cookies and graham crackers. They are an excellent addition to a cookie table and are always the first to go!

Happy back to school and enjoy all the new friends and adventures this season brings.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

I was recently interviewed by the very funny and talented Katie Garton for her new blog Dream Till Green. Katie and I first connected on Twitter, and quickly found that our banter turned into shared interests and ideas. Katie's blog is filled with inspiration and inspiring finds and captures those who dare to dream.

Here's an excerpt from the interview and be sure to visit Katie's blog to read more~

"So how am I getting closer to my dream? I changed my expectations in life. I have made a simpler life for myself. I moved from The Big City to a Small Town so we could have more space, grow our own food, know our neighbours, keep the doors unlocked, and enjoy the outdoors. I am growing my business slowly, financing it all myself without going into a lot of debt. In 2 short years, I have grown beyond my expectations. There have been plenty of opportunities for me to compromise my values. Cheaper ingredients, cheaper packaging, selling out. I decided from the very beginning that if my product put more plastic in the world I would not do it. I sought out a sustainable option for packaging and absorb the cost myself. It is just the right thing to do. I want my business to stand for more than good flavor or something trendy. I want it to represent all that is important to me. I don't feed my kids food with artificial flavors and colors. I don't use them in my marshmallows. A sweet treat is okay now and then. I believe in moderation. But something of quality, made with sustainable ingredients and love, simply tastes better.

The short answer to your question: I am living my dream every day. And getting closer to the bigger dream. And I truly believe that we are the choices we make. Every decision I make gets me closer. It is up to me."

Welcome to my Blog!

I am Kimberley Allan Mulla, Owner & Confectioner of Kimberley's Kitchen. This is my blog where I share recipes, healthy living inspiration, and life as an entrepreneur. Thanks for visiting and be sure to connect with me over on Instagram!

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Our NEW Restaurant!

Welcome to Kimberley's Kitchen

We believe that sweet treats are a healthy part of life and so we endeavour to craft delightful confections and fine foods with local, organic, and whole ingredients for you.

Made in Northern BC, Kimberley's Kitchen uses real ingredients such as organic vanilla beans, fair trade organic cocoa and coffee, and local fruit, whipping it into handcrafted marshmallow and delightful treats. We never use artificial colours, extracts or synthetic flavors.

Visit us on Instagram for more inspiration, behind-the-scenes of our business and life, and a sneak peek of what is to come!